The head of UK residential valuation at JLL on how she got started in the property industry, her favourite TV show and book, the dream invention that would give her more time and her number-one travel destination.
Lauren Hunt, head of UK residential valuation at JLL
How did you join the property industry?
As a student, I spent one summer nannying for a family and the dad came home every day and loved his job. It was so infectious that I asked him what he did and he said he was a surveyor. So, I looked into a master’s and various grad routes and here I am today. Years later while doing a valuation, I ended up calling him to ask about a comparable and it turned out he was an estate agent – so I felt rather tricked into it!
What does your job entail?
At the heart of it, it’s about looking after people. For my team, I provide pastoral care, support them to upskill and create an environment where they genuinely enjoy spending their time. This focus on people is also reflected in our wider work. Affordable housing is part of what we do, and it’s rewarding to provide housing to those in need and to contribute immense social value to the sector.
What do you like most about the industry?
It’s quite a visual industry to work in. You can work on a development for a client and six months or two years later walk down a street and see what you valued come into fruition through a building. Also, I’m lucky enough to work with the most amazing bunch of people who inspire me to be better every day. Over the years, I have met some pretty interesting clients, from premiership footballers to global leaders and everything in between.
And what do you dislike most about it?
The old stereotypes. The industry has changed and I work alongside a rich and varied base of people. I think property is often perceived as ‘stale and old school’, but at JLL we’ve really pushed for inclusion across all aspects – from our early career opportunities to a plethora of female senior leaders. There’s still some work to do across the industry, but it’s moving in the right direction.
Who has inspired you within the sector?
Other than the senior female leaders who have paved the way for increased representation of women in the sector, I’d say Andrew Frost, the UK chairman of JLL. He has this special knack of being great with both clients and colleagues. Andrew is inspirational in that regard. People want
to deliver tasks to a high standard and grow the business since they genuinely like and trust him, which can be quite rare in leadership roles.
If you had not gone into property, what would you be doing?
I would love to have done something creative and perhaps be a potter or a sculptor – likely a very unsuccessful one.
What would you change about the property industry?
In addition to better representation of senior female leaders, I’d change the planning system to allow for meaningful progress to help the delivery of required homes.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Seeing the people around me grow, develop and forge their own careers. At JLL, we nurture young talent so there’s nothing more satisfying for me than seeing graduates progress into their career, gain confidence and make a name for themselves.
What do you value in people?
Skill, knowledge and trust. I work with fantastic people day in, day out, and seeing their passion and drive to deliver a range of services collaboratively is amazing.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
Don’t panic if you don’t have confidence – it will develop in time. It may be difficult, but it is important to believe in yourself and advocate for yourself throughout your career.
Top recommendations
Favourite destination?
A nice beach in Cornwall – on a sunny day. Alongside my family, we’d have a good English picnic with all the classic picky bits and beach games for the children, including a bit of old-fashioned crab-fishing and rock-pooling. Then we’d end the day with some classic fish and chips by the sea and everyone would sleep very well.
Favourite TV show?
Last One Laughing. It’s extremely funny and very silly, so it’s a good way for me to unwind after a busy day at work. Although I love working in the sector, it allows me to tune out from work mode and have a good laugh.
Favourite book?
The Names by Florence Knapp. It tells the story of Cora, who is in a domestically abusive relationship and has the choice to give her son one of three names. It’s quite a gritty and emotional read, yet still very empowering as it’s about the inner strengths within and the lengths people can go to protect their family.
Dream invention?
A time machine just to give me an extra hour or two throughout the day. As a working mum, time is a rare and precious commodity, and it can be quite hectic. It’d be great to go back in time or pause it to make sure the house is tidy, and I’d be so efficient with answering all my emails.